United ban City cameras from Manchester derby
Manchester United have reportedly banned Manchester City from filming behind-the-scenes footage during this weekend’s high-stakes derby.
The Citizens – unbeaten in the league and eight points clear of United at the top of the table – have agreed a £10m deal with streaming giant Amazon to film a documentary series chronicling life at the club this season.
As part of the series, due to air on Amazon Prime this summer, City have given the broadcaster unprecedented access to film in the changing rooms, training sessions and manager Pep Guardiola’s team talks.
City are understood to have been granted permission to film footage at most away grounds in the Premier League this season, but according to The Times, United have denied the club’s request to position the Amazon film crew in the away dressing room at Old Trafford this Sunday.
United have also banned Amazon from filming in the tunnel, claiming that they have to accommodate the needs of 23 other rights holders – and have instead allowed them to film warm-ups from the side of the pitch before kickoff.
City’s deal with Amazon has proved somewhat contentious this term, angering broadcasters Sky and BT, who pay a combined £1.7 billion a year for the rights to the Premier League but are not allowed to film inside the dressing room.
